[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former owner and editory of the Staunton Spectator]
April 1862
Thursday night, April 3, 1862.
On Saturday morning last, as soon as I got to
the office, I met Capt. Mason who entreated me
to go to Monterey to aid in the removal of the army
stores from that point, Hoge having come in on ac-
count of the illness of his wife (Mason’s daughter). I
did not wish to go, but could not refuse under the
circumstances, and started, on horseback, about 10
o’clock. From town to Mason’s Shanties (22 miles)
I rode rapidly, a hard-trotting horse. Changed
horses, and travelled the remainder of the journey to
McDowell more leisurely, but in heavy rain most
of the time. As the rain froze upon my umbrella,
covering it with ice which I could not knock or get
off, I had a heavy load to carry. At dark I arrived at
McDowell, and as there is no tavern in the village,
I solicited and obtained shelter at Hull’s, sleeping
with the Rev. Mr. Price. A few days over seventeen years agobefore, I had spent a night at old Maj. Hull’s,
there being no village there. On Sunday morning,
before breakfast, I rode on to Monterey — arrived sore &
weary. Met with many acquaintances, and found all
hands cheerful and cordial. The Quartermaster’s office
was small, crowded and dirty — the chamber where I
slept, very dirty. I had to get to work immediately. —
Wagons from Camp Alleghany unloading, others to
Mason’s Shanties & Ryans loading up. Till quite late
at night I was busy packing up &c. I got very little
rest when I lay down to sleep upon a hard mattress
with dirty sheets, spread upon the dirty floor of a room
formerly used as a hall for the “Sons of Temperance.” —
The Churchville & Rockbridge Cavalry were at Monter-
ey, Capt. McNutt, of the latter, being commander of the
Post. Monday was, of course, a busy day — wagons
going and coming — At eleven o’clock I went up to bed,
weary and sleepy, hoping to get some rest even in
the dirty chamber. I had an attack of dyspepsia,
possibly — which effectually aroused me. I went to the of-
fice of Dr. Davis, an As. Surg., and got a prescription
which relieved me. The next day, feeling still un-
well, I started home, in company with Wm. Wil
son, who had gone out in charge of a train of wag-
ons. We came along gradually leisurely, going off the
road several times to enquire for maple sugar. Staid
at Wilson’s that night — several sick soldiers there, who
had been brought on in an ambulance — the little house
was full. Rode on the next day to the shanties, and
came to town with Mason in his buggy. Still feel
tired and invalidish.
The withdrawal of our army has caused a great pan-
ic in Highland and Bath & Pendleton counties. —
Many of the people came flying to get off from the
Yankees. It was really painful to me to witness
the anxiety of the women. The army, it was suppos-
ed, would stop at the Shenandoah mountain, but
I doubt if it stops there long. I suspect that it will
move on to Jackson’s aid. Last night it was at
McDowell. From Jackson’s army, the last news
is that both sides were advancing for a fight, near
Edinburg. Recruits & returning furloughed soldiers are go-
ing down every day in large numbers — 130 to-day.
On Monday night there were 900 in town. A
large number came up on the cars this evening and will
go on to-morrow, I presume. We have a young
man named Sherrer, from Appomattox, who
was slightly wounded in the recent battle, staying with
us. His brother came on from home to join his com-
pany Tuesday night, and staid here till this morning. —
Very sleepy and tired.
[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow Project]
MSS 38-258